2026 Ford Bronco Sport vs. 2026 Subaru Outback
The vehicle you choose can make or break the adventure ahead. That's why it's important to choose one that suits your lifestyle and offers the features you need to maximize your driving experience. If you're ready to find an adventure-focused SUV, maybe you're considering a new 2026 Ford Bronco Sport or 2026 Subaru Outback and are wondering how they compare. If so, you're in the right place!
We'll take a look at both the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport and 2026 Subaru Outback and see how their performance, capability, space, features, and pricing compare to help you decide which one may be best for you. Then you can test-drive both SUVs to compare the driving experiences they offer. Let's get started!
Performance & Capability
Compact and capable, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport brings off-road confidence and skill to every adventure. A 4x4 drivetrain is standard, allowing you to conquer rough terrain and take challenging weather conditions in stride.
The latest Ford Bronco Sport for sale near you is equipped with a standard 1.5-liter EcoBoost® engine that delivers 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque and is matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The top trim level, the Badlands, is equipped with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.
This SUV offers performance versatility with five standard G.O.A.T. Modes, which stands for Goes Over Any Type of Terrain. These modes are Normal, ECO, Sport, Slippery, and Off-Road, and they allow you to choose the one that's optimal for current driving conditions. The Badlands trim level adds two more modes, Rock Crawl and Rally, allowing you to push your adventures further.
The midsize 2026 Subaru Outback comes standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and features a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine on the first three trim levels and a 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine on the top three trim levels. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine gives you 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine gives you 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque.
This new Subaru Outback offers standard X-MODE, which enhances traction when you're driving on low-friction surfaces. With the Subaru Outback Wilderness trim level, you'll get advanced dual-function X-MODE, which includes Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes.
So how do these two SUVs compare in terms of fuel efficiency? Both lineups' MPG numbers are fairly similar, as you'll see below.
Ford Bronco Sport MPG
- Big Bend, Heritage, and Outer Banks with the 1.5L engine: 25 City/30 Highway MPG1
- Outer Banks with the Sasquatch Outer Banks Package: 23 City/26 Highway MPG1
- Badlands with 2.0L engine: 21 City/27 Highway MPG1
Subaru Outback MPG
- Premium, Limited, Touring with 2.5-liter engine: 25/31 City/Highway MPG2
- Wilderness with 2.4-liter turbocharged engine: 21/27 City/Highway MPG2
- Limited XT and Touring XT with 2.4-liter turbocharged engine: 21/29 City/Highway MPG2
Cabin & Cargo Capacity
Let's take a look inside the cabins and see how the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport's interior and the 2026 Subaru Outback's interior compare. Both SUVs seat five, and offer the following cargo capacities:
- Cargo volume (with all seats in place):
- Behind second row (1.5L engine): 32.5 cubic feet
- Behind second row (1.5L engine with Sasquatch Package/2.0L engine): 29.4 cubic feet
- Behind second row (2.0L engine with Sasquatch Package): 29.1 cubic feet
- Maximum cargo volume:
- Behind first row (1.5L engine): 65.2 cubic feet
- Behind first row (1.5L engine with Sasquatch Package/2.0L engine): 60.6 cubic feet
- Behind first row (2.0L with Sasquatch Package): 60.2 cubic feet
- Cargo volume: 34.6 cubic feet
- Maximum cargo volume (with rear seat lowered): 80.5 cubic feet
Keep in mind that the Outback is a longer, midsize SUV, so it follows that it provides more cargo space than the compact Bronco Sport SUV does. But that also means you'll have an easier time parking the smaller Bronco Sport!
Both SUVs offer different seating material options to choose from. The Bronco Sport lineup gives you standard cloth with easy-to-clean seating, plaid cloth seating, premium-trimmed seating, and leather-trimmed seating with mini perforation, depending on the trim level. The Subaru Outback upholstery options include StarTex®, leather-trimmed, and Nappa-leather-trimmed upholstery.
You can enjoy heated seats in both SUV lineups. For the Bronco Sport, the first two trim levels offer heated front seats as an option, while the top two trim levels include heated front seats as standard. For the Subaru Outback, heated front seats are standard in all trim levels and heated rear outboard seats are standard in all but the base trim level.
When it comes to practical features, the Ford Bronco Sport offers available rubberized flooring for easy cleanup after messy off-road adventures and a standard flip-up rear glass that makes accessing items in the back a breeze.
Technology & Driver-Assist Features
Both SUVs are designed to keep you connected on every adventure. When it comes to technology, the 2026 Ford Bronco outshines the Subaru Outback with its larger standard screen — giving drivers a 13.2-inch center display, while the 2026 Subaru Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen. Both screens feature standard wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ so you can access your phone safely on the go.
Both SUVs also look out for you with a variety of driver-assistance features.
- Lane-Keeping System
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering
- Emergency Lane Keep Assist
- Pre-Collision Braking
- Lane Departure and Sway Warning
- Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
- Emergency Stop Assist
- Automatic Emergency Steering
Trim Levels & Pricing Compared
So, what will each of these SUVs cost you? We'll break down their pricing by trim level.
| Trim Level | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 2026 Ford Bronco Sport | |
| 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend | Starting at $31,8453 |
| 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Heritage | Starting at $33,3953 |
| 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks | Starting at $35,1453 |
| 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands | Starting at $38,2653 |
| 2026 Subaru Outback | |
| 2026 Subaru Outback Premium | $34,9954 |
| 2026 Subaru Outback Limited | $41,7154 |
| 2026 Subaru Outback Touring | $45,3954 |
| 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness | $44,9954 |
| 2026 Subaru Outback Limited XT | $44,3654 |
| 2026 Subaru Outback Touring XT | $47,9954 |
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is by far the more budget-friendly option of the two SUVs. In fact, the entire Bronco Sport lineup's starting price points stay below $40,000, while only one of the 2026 Subaru Outback lineup's starting price points stays below $40,000. The 2026 Subaru Outback's price actually reaches almost $50,000 with its top trim level.
If price is a top consideration for you as you weigh your decisions, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport price clearly checks that box. And even though there are more 2026 Subaru Outback trim levels to choose from, having fewer 2026 Ford Bronco Sport trim levels can make choosing the right trim level easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both the Bronco Sport and Outback are designed to skillfully handle off-roading, but you may enjoy the Bronco Sport's performance more. Its standard and available G.O.A.T. Modes help you handle a range of driving scenarios like a pro, and this SUV even offers an available 24 inches of water-fording capability. Its standard drivetrain is 4x4, but it also offers an available advanced 4x4 with a twin-clutch rear drive unit.
The Outback offers more cargo space than the Bronco Sport, but that's because it's a midsize SUV while the Bronco Sport is a compact SUV. The Bronco Sport's versatile interior still offers ample cargo space, and its smaller size can benefit you when it comes to parking.
Both SUVs are designed to handle difficult weather and terrain. The Bronco Sport comes with a standard 4x4 drivetrain and offers an available advanced 4x4 with a twin-clutch rear drive unit. The Outback features Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Yes, the Bronco Sport is a true compact SUV that offers impressive off-roading capability and confident performance for any adventure.
Both models are suited for adventure, but the Bronco Sport leans a bit more rugged, while the Outback leans a bit more refined. It really comes down to your personal preference!
We hope you found this comparison helpful as you explore off-road SUV options. If you have more questions about the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport vs. 2026 Subaru Outback, let us know!
Disclaimers
1 EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary.
2 EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.
3 Current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included. Starting A/X/Z Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A/X/Z Plan.
4 MSRP does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title, and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features, and models subject to change without notice. Select colors may be subject to an additional charge. See your retailer for more information.